Anacapri sits on the high plateau at the western end of the island, reached by a winding bus ride from Capri town. It is calmer than Capri, with narrow lanes, majolica tiles and a sense of village life that continues all winter. The star is the chairlift from Piazza Vittoria to the top of Monte Solaro, the island's highest point at about 589 metres. The single-seat chairs carry you over gardens and rooftops without any effort, and at the top a terrace looks down over the Faraglioni, the Bay of Naples and, on clear days, as far as Vesuvius and the Amalfi mountains. The lift is open all year, but in winter it closes earlier in the afternoon and stops for strong wind or lightning, so check the day before you go. The tour linked here is a full-day Capri and Anacapri tour that names the chairlift in its title, a simple way to cover the crossing, transport on the island and the ride in one booking. Add a walk through the village and you have the best day on the island without the crowds of town.
Practicalities define the day. Reach Anacapri by bus from Capri town or by taxi, and expect the road to be twisty and the buses crowded in the middle of the day. Once there, everything is walkable. From the chairlift base you can reach the church of San Michele with its majolica floor, the Villa San Michele gardens and the narrow lanes of the old centre within minutes, which makes a compact circuit of two to three hours before lunch.
Low season matters in a few ways. The chairlift runs but ends in mid-afternoon in winter, shops and restaurants in Anacapri close at various times, and cloud can hide the summit. If the view is clear when you arrive, go straight up; if it is not, do the village first and return. Wear warm layers because it is noticeably colder at the top, and bring a windbreaker. Check the hours at the base station before you buy a ticket at the top, and remember the ride back down is the same view in reverse.
This is also the best place on the island to eat quietly. Look for small trattorias on the side streets rather than the main square, and walk off the meal along the lanes. Travellers who dislike heights can skip the chairlift and take the bus to the village alone, or enjoy the lower view from the Villa San Michele terrace. Families with strollers will find the lanes narrow but manageable, and the chairlift is not suitable for very small children without an adult sharing a seat.
What to expect
The experience
A bus ride up to Anacapri, a short walk to the chairlift base and a single-seat ride to the summit terrace, then time in the village.
Best time
Late morning to early afternoon on clear, calm days, because winter hours end earlier and wind or lightning stops the lift.
How long
Three to four hours for Anacapri and the lift; a full day if combined with Capri town.
Tips
Dress warmly, check hours at the base, go up first if the sky is clear and plan the village for the cloudy gaps.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The best view on Capri, plus the island's most relaxed corner.
- Families
- The ride is easy for children old enough to sit alone; small ones need an adult beside them.
- Couples
- A quiet ride, a summit pause and lunch in the village is a romantic half day.
- Pair with
- Villa San Michele and its gardens, five minutes from the chairlift base.
- Time needed
- Half a day, or a full day with Capri town and the Gardens of Augustus.
Good questions
Is the Monte Solaro chairlift open in winter?+
Yes, it runs all year, but in winter it operates shorter hours and closes earlier in the afternoon. Wind and lightning can stop it, so check the day.
How high is Monte Solaro?+
The summit is about 589 metres, the highest point on Capri, with views over the Faraglioni, the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius.
How do I get to Anacapri?+
By local bus or taxi from Capri town, up a winding road. The bus can be crowded in the middle of the day.
Can I do it without a tour?+
Yes, and many people do. The tour linked here bundles the crossing, island transport and the lift in one booking, which suits a first visit.
Is it worth going if it is cloudy?+
The village is still pleasant, but the summit view may be hidden. Check the sky before paying for the ride.
